Neptun Deep offshore production platform installed, PM says Romania set to lead EU gas production

21 July 2026 OMV Petrom and Romgaz completed the installation of the offshore production platform for the Neptun Deep natural gas project in the Black Sea, marking a major milestone for Romania’s largest offshore energy development. Acting prime minister Ilie Bolojan said the project will turn Romania into the European Union's largest natural gas producer once production begins. The energy companies announced that the Neptun Alpha production platform has been installed about 120 meters below sea level in the Black Sea. Weighing more than 16,500 tonnes and standing over 225 meters tall, the platform was installed using the Saipem 7000, one of the world's largest semi-submersible crane vessels. The partners said the project remains on schedule to begin commercial gas production in 2027. “The